Daily current affairs: 17 February 2026

Long Description : The summit, themed ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (AI for Public Good), is the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. PM Modi emphasized that intelligence, reasoning, and decision-making must drive science to serve the masses effectively. Attended by tech titans like Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman, the event features 500 sessions and 3,250 speakers. India is leveraging this platform to lead the discussion on ethical AI governance and bridge the digital divide. The summit also showcases the "India AI Expo," highlighting 51 startups and innovations in multilingual AI and filmmaking. This event establishes India as a central hub for responsible artificial intelligence.

Long Description : Launched during the India AI Impact Summit, SAHI provides a national guidance framework for the safe, ethical, and inclusive adoption of AI across India's healthcare ecosystem. It aims to integrate AI into diagnostics, personalized medicine, and public health management. Complementing this, the "Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI" (BODH) was introduced to provide standardized datasets for research. These initiatives are designed to ensure data privacy while fostering innovation. By creating a unified guidance system, the government seeks to improve health outcomes in rural areas and streamline clinical workflows through evidence-based AI tools. This represents a significant leap toward digitizing the nation's healthcare.

Long Description : The project involves a transshipment port, a greenfield international airport, and a power plant. The NGT dismissed appeals challenging the clearance, stating that the project is strategically vital for India’s security and economic interests in the Bay of Bengal. Environmental concerns regarding the impact on local leatherback turtles and the Shompen tribe were addressed with a mandate for strict mitigation measures. This clearance paves the way for a massive infrastructure push in the Union Territory, aimed at transforming the islands into a major maritime hub while balancing ecological integrity through reforestation and habitat preservation. The decision reinforces India's maritime posture in the Indo-Pacific region while committing to sustainable development.

Long Description : This performance surpasses the previous record of 34,054 MW set in FY25, representing an 11% growth in total capacity. The surge is largely driven by a massive expansion in renewable energy sources, specifically solar and wind projects, aligning with India's goal of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The Ministry highlighted that this rapid scaling is essential to meet the growing industrial demand and ensure 24/7 power supply across rural India. The data reflects the success of various government schemes aimed at energy security and reducing the carbon footprint of the nation’s power grid. This milestone marks a significant step toward India's energy self-reliance.

Long Description : Under the new guidelines, the individual borrower limit for ECBs has been hiked from $750 million to $1 billion per financial year. This move is intended to provide greater flexibility to Indian corporates, especially those in infrastructure and manufacturing, to raise cheaper offshore funds. RBI Governor Malhotra stated that the move aligns with India's target of a $10 trillion GDP, requiring patient international capital. The relaxation is expected to strengthen the rupee by increasing forex inflows. However, the RBI cautioned firms to maintain prudent hedging strategies to manage exchange rate volatility. This policy shift supports long-term industrial projects and improves the liquidity profile of the corporate sector.

Long Description : Following a period of political turbulence and recent elections, Rahman’s ascension represents a major shift in Dhaka's leadership. India, as a primary neighbor, has expressed interest in advancing bilateral ties to new heights. PM Modi conveyed readiness to work with the new administration to ensure regional stability and continue cooperation in sectors like energy, connectivity, and trade. The change in leadership is being closely monitored by South Asian observers, as it impacts the security landscape and ongoing infrastructure projects under India’s "Neighborhood First" policy, including the Maitri power plant and rail links. Both nations aim to maintain the momentum of cross-border collaboration and security cooperation.

Long Description : The center aims to leverage AI and advanced sensor technology to monitor air quality and predict climate patterns with higher precision. It will focus on "Vayyu" (atmospheric) dynamics to provide actionable data for urban planning and disaster management. The collaboration involves student exchange programs and joint research on Arctic and tropical weather interactions. This initiative is part of India’s broader commitment to climate action, which currently receives an allocation of 5.6% of the GDP. The center will play a crucial role in developing localized climate models to help Indian farmers adapt to unpredictable monsoon shifts. This partnership highlights India's growing role in global environmental research and international scientific collaboration.

Long Description : While hearing petitions for terminations beyond 24 weeks, the Court emphasized that it "cannot compel" a woman to continue a pregnancy against her will, as mental health is as critical as physical health. The judgment advocates for a "progressive turn" in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, suggesting that reproductive rights should be delinked from marital status. This ruling clarifies that judicial discretion must prioritize the woman’s dignity and life choices over rigid statutory limits. Legal experts believe this will lead to a more uniform national framework, reducing the legal hurdles faced by vulnerable women and ensuring safer medical interventions. The ruling strengthens the doctrine of individual liberty.

Long Description : Data as of February 16, 2026, shows a clear shift in market leadership from software services to financials. The IT index has plunged over 13% recently due to fears of AI disruption and reduced global spending, causing its weight to shrink from nearly 13% a year ago. Conversely, Bank Nifty rose by 2.3%, reflecting strong domestic credit growth and robust earnings. Reliance Industries-led oil & gas has now emerged as the second most influential sector at 9.36%. Analysts suggest this rebalancing indicates that investors are betting on India’s domestic consumption and infrastructure over global service exports. This trend highlights the resilience of Indian banks amid global tech volatility.

Long Description : Following the success of Vande Bharat, the government has tasked manufacturing units like ICF Chennai to develop a new "high-speed" platform. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between semi-high-speed and bullet train technology. The project is a core component of the "Railway Reforms 2026" plan, which also focuses on transforming cargo terminals into processing hubs. These trains are expected to run on dedicated corridors and upgraded tracks. The move reduces India's dependence on foreign technology and lowers the cost of high-speed rail deployment, furthering the ‘Make in India’ vision. This technological leap will revolutionize long-distance travel, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to air travel.

Long Description : This visit comes months after a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and signifies India's "de-hyphenated" foreign policy approach. The talks are expected to focus on defense cooperation, semiconductor manufacturing, and agricultural technology. While India supports the Gaza peace plan, it has maintained its strategic relationship with Israel as a key security partner. Netanyahu highlighted the "deep ties" between the two nations ahead of the visit. This trip is seen as a move to strengthen the I2U2 framework and explore new corridors for trade and digital connectivity between the Middle East and South Asia. The visit underscores India's proactive role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and technological collaboration with global innovators.

Long Description : The report validates the "Chief Minister’s framework" of coupling spiritual development with modern infrastructure expansion. It notes that since the consecration of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has seen an unprecedented inflow of private investment in the hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. This "Temple Economy Model" is credited with generating thousands of local jobs and stimulating regional GDP growth. The study suggests that spiritual tourism is now a sustainable economic driver, with Ayodhya serving as a blueprint for other cultural hubs. The integration of high-speed rail and an international airport has further accelerated this economic activation, demonstrating the potential of culture-led urban development in modern India.

Long Description : The leg-spinner achieved this feat during a recent league match, further cementing his status as a global T20 icon. Rashid has played for numerous franchises globally, including the IPL, and has been a consistent match-winner for Afghanistan. His achievement is particularly notable given the batter-friendly nature of the shortest format. At just 27, he is significantly ahead of his contemporaries in wicket-taking. Sports analysts attribute his success to his unique quick-arm action and deceptive googlies. This milestone is a moment of pride for Asian cricket and serves as an inspiration for aspiring bowlers in both Associate and full-member cricketing nations, marking a historic era.

Long Description : Indian institutions continue to dominate global rankings, with ISB maintaining its spot among the world's elite business schools. IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore also featured prominently, reflecting the high quality of management education in India. The criteria for the ranking included salary increase, value for money, and research quality. The success of these institutions is attributed to their strong industry connections and a curriculum that integrates emerging technologies like AI and ESG standards. This recognition enhances the global employability of Indian MBA graduates and attracts international students to Indian campuses. It reinforces India's position as a global hub for management excellence and academic leadership.

Long Description : Organized by the Madras Regional Purchase Unit, the event aimed to promote import substitution by encouraging local businesses to supply strategic equipment. Over 20 presentations highlighted instruments ripe for indigenous development. Shri G. Sreekumar Pillai, Director of IGCAR, emphasized that the nuclear industry's success relies on a reliable local vendor ecosystem that designs and delivers quality products. The programme included interactive sessions between scientists and vendors to bridge technical gaps. This initiative is a stepping stone toward India’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring that the nation’s nuclear energy needs are met through self-reliant, high-tech manufacturing and a robust domestic supply chain.

Long Description : Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtual Interface for Systems, Technology, and Administrative Reform) is an AI-powered platform designed to streamline citizen services and welfare benefits. The initiative aims to make digital public services more transparent and efficient by automating routine administrative tasks and providing personalized assistance in regional languages. It marks a significant step in the government's roadmap to make every citizen AI-ready. The rollout will focus on sectors like agriculture, education, and rural development, ensuring that the benefits of the AI revolution reach the grassroots level. This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of a digitally empowered society, enhancing efficiency while reducing human bias in public administration.